CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK features colorful cliffs, massive domes, twisting canyons and miles of slickrock wilderness. The park preserves the 100 mile long WATERPOCKET FOLD - a giant, sinuous buckling of rock in the earth's crust. In the midst of Capitol Reef's red rocks are large orchards where fruit may be picked in season, and the remnants of FRUITA - an early pioneer settlement. Additional Capitol Reef info - here or here.

BOULDER MOUNTAIN

BOULDER MOUNTAIN, part of the DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST, has over 100 lakes several - offering some of the finest fishing in Utah. There are over 192 miles of trails on BOULDER MOUNTAIN, and views from the rim are among the most breathtaking in Utah!


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THOUSAND LAKE MOUNTAIN

THOUSAND LAKE MOUNTAIN and HIGHWAY 72 feature panoramic mountain vistas and views into UPPER CATHEDRAL VALLEY. This highway intersects with the CATHEDRAL VALLEY SCENIC BACKWAY.

HENRY MOUNTAINS

The backroads of the rugged and remote HENRY MOUNTAINS are ideal for a summer's outing in search of America's only herd of free-roaming buffalo! The summit of MT. ELLEN offers spectacular views of central Utah. Visit the Utah Bureau of Land Management's web site for additional information on this unique area: UTAH BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT


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SCENIC BYWAY 12

SCENIC BYWAY 12, recently designated by the Federal Highways Administration as an All-American Road, and chosen as one of the top ten scenic roads in America by Car and Driver magazine, offers sweeping panoramas of the WATERPOCKET FOLD, CIRCLE CLIFFS, and the HENRY MOUNTAINS. Possible day trips along this highway are a visit to the ANASAZI INDIAN VILLAGE STATE PARK, a hike to 126-foot high CALF CREEK FALLS, or a drive over the scenic BURR TRAIL and NOTOM ROAD.

FISHLAKE SCENIC BYWAY

FISHLAKE SCENIC BYWAY, SR25, carries you through the meadows and mountains of the FISHLAKE NATIONAL FOREST to the FISH LAKE - JOHNSON VALLEY area which has 3,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs. Several species of trout and splake can be caught year round. Wildlife sightings of elk, deer and small game are common. There is also a large population of water fowl as well as Golden and Bald Eagles.


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SCENIC BYWAY 24

SCENIC BYWAY 24 descends from rolling sagebrush terrain through checkered farmland into the multicolored cliffs of CAPITOL REEF. Beyond the park the land changes into a "moonscape" of stark gray hills. See the historic Nielsen Mill near Bicknell or in HANKSVILLE be sure to visit the relocated WOLVERTON MILL, built in 1921 in the Henry Mountains. The log structure is unique because it was used to mill wood and to crush ore.

HORSESHOE CANYON

HORSESHOE CANYON, in CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, presents the "Great Gallery" - a 200-foot long rock art panel considered one of the finest examples of prehistoric art in the world.


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ROBBER'S ROOST

Cattle rustlers in the early 1900s discovered that the canyons of the DIRTY DEVIL RIVER offered impregnable hideouts. One such canyon named ROBBER'S ROOST was an important stopping point for BUTCH CASSIDY and the SUNDANCE KID.

GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK

GOBLIN VALLEY STATE PARK contains a forest of eroded rock formations whose intricate forms allow the visitors imagination free rein to see the "goblins" that live there.

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ANASAZI INDIAN VILLAGE STATE PARK

Head south on Utah Highway 12 from Torrey toward the town of Boulder, and visit ANASAZI INDIAN VILLAGE STATE PARK, an ancient village which was once home to one of the largest Ancestral Puebloan communities west of the Colorado River. An excellent visitor center displays artifacts found on the site.

LAKE POWELL

LAKE POWELL - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a pleasant day trip from Capitol Reef Country. Head south on Utah Route 95 from Hanksville down to Bullfrog Marina. Glen Canyon dam created 186-mile long Lake Powell, with spectacular views, houseboating , fishing, and a variety of water sports.

GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT

The GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT is a vast area of sandstone canyons, plateaus, unique rock formations and cliffs in southern Utah. The monument extends eastward from Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It borders the Dixie National Forest on the north and extends southward to the Arizona state line. Scenic Byway 12 winds through the northern portion, and backways branching from Highway 12 provide access to trails and features in the monument.

GRAND CIRCLE ASSOCIATION

The Grand Circle Association promotes the vacation opportunities in the Southwestern States of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. Visit this site for itinerary suggestions and how to plan your vacation in the National Parks of the Southwest! GRAND CIRCLE ASSOCIATION